Chapter 1: The Essence of Wonder

Wonder is a fundamental part of human experience, often igniting great discoveries and personal revelations.

"I wonder." These two words have the power to spark incredible breakthroughs.

The term "wonder" itself evokes positivity; the act of saying it often brings a smile. It derives from the Latin word miraculu, which means "something extraordinary, beyond human ability... a miraculous event." You don’t need to subscribe to the supernatural to feel wonder. Albert Einstein, a renowned scientist, regarded wonder as the essence of all art and science. He stated, “Those who are strangers to this emotion, who cannot pause to admire and be in awe, are essentially lifeless; their vision is obscured.”

Socrates asserted that all philosophy originates from wonder, a sentiment echoed by Aristotle, who claimed that wonder helps us escape ignorance. Centuries later, Thomas Aquinas connected wonder with awe, noting that both poets and philosophers share a profound sense of wonder.

Wonder is a multifaceted emotion, encompassing surprise, contemplation, and joy, along with an elevated state of awareness.

Psychologist Nico Frijda elaborates in The Emotions that experiencing wonder triggers various physiological changes, including widened eyes, a brief pause in breathing, and a general relaxation of muscle tone. This muscle relaxation can cause your mouth to fall open, leaving you feeling a bit unsteady. Notably, even infants as young as five months experience these responses, as do animals like cats, dogs, and monkeys.

The encouraging news is that wonder is not an innate trait, akin to having blonde hair or freckles; rather, it is a skill that we can all learn—or more accurately, relearn.

On one level, wondering involves seeking answers, much like asking Siri for information. For instance, "I wonder where I can find some dark chocolate?" On another level, wondering means pausing your search for answers and simply appreciating the moment. For example, "I wonder what it is about that exquisite Belgian chocolate, enhanced with sea salt and almonds, that makes my heart dance and my spirit soar?"

When we engage in questioning, we often limit ourselves to the subject at hand. Any inquiries that stray too far are usually dismissed as irrelevant. Consider a lawyer being reprimanded by a judge for asking questions deemed "immaterial," or a student being told by a teacher to stay "on topic." In contrast, wondering is expansive and open-ended; it cannot be confined.

Wondering is a defining characteristic of being human. This has been true since the dawn of humanity when the first caveman pondered what might occur if he rubbed two sticks together or dropped a heavy stone on his foot. You never know until you try, and you never try until you wonder.

While wonder is akin to awe, the latter is typically evoked by something far beyond ourselves, often mixed with reverence or fear. Wonder, however, can be found in both the tranquility of a sleeping cat and the overwhelming expanse of the Grand Canyon.

Often, we confuse wonder with curiosity. They are distinct emotions. While curiosity can exist without emotional attachment, wonder is deeply personal. One can be curious without passion, but wonder requires a heartfelt connection. Curiosity tends to chase the next attractive distraction, whereas wonder is akin to reclining with a drink in hand, savoring the moment. Unlike curiosity, which fades with knowledge, wonder persists. Like Einstein, we can possess knowledge and still maintain a sense of wonder.

Wonder demands time. Just like a delicious meal or an intimate moment, it cannot be rushed. Socrates exemplified this by engaging deeply in philosophical dialogues, even when his companions grew weary.

Regrettably, wonder is not as prevalent in our lives as it should be. Many of us neglect this emotion, fearing that indulging in it may distract us from "adult" responsibilities, as if there is anything more crucial than embracing this profound aspect of our humanity.

The encouraging truth is that wonder is not a trait we're either born with or without. It is a skill we can all learn—or, more accurately, relearn. A sense of wonder is fundamentally woven into our humanity. While we may suppress it temporarily, we can never extinguish it entirely. Wonder lies dormant, waiting for us to reawaken it and embark on our journey once more.

Chapter 2: The Journey of Relearning Wonder

In this section, we will explore practical steps to reignite our sense of wonder and its importance in our daily lives.

The video titled "Why Wonder Matters | The Tools" delves into the significance of wonder, emphasizing how it fosters creativity, enriches our lives, and enhances our understanding of the world around us.